Building and renovating forms, checklists, and bulletins

Checklists and guides

Choose the checklists and guides that apply to your project, building type, and property's zoning.

Development permit checklists
All building types
- Development permit minor amendment checklist (74 KB)
- Development permit major application checklist (114 KB)
Commercial or industrial
Residential

All residential
- Balcony enclosure on existing buildings (29 KB)
- Overheight fences, arbours, etc., in residential zones (28 KB)
1-family and 2-family
Multi-family
- Mixed-use multiple dwellings and RT Zones (209 KB)
Building permit and development-building permit (combined) checklists and guides
All building types
Commercial or industrial
Residential

All residential
- Field review permit applications (106 KB)
- In-ground swimming pools (34 KB)
1-family and 2-family
Multi-family
- Balcony enclosures on multi-family buildings (126 KB)
- Solar hot water heating systems retrofitting checklist (multi-family or commercial) (150 KB)
How-to guides

Application forms

Vancouver Building By-law forms

2019 Vancouver Building By-law forms

For applications submitted ON/AFTER November 1, 2019
Letters of assurance
ASHRAE, NECB, and EB Energy Trigger forms for large buildings
- Process forms, checklists, and tutorials for the energy requirements for Part 3 and Part 9 non-residential buildings
Other forms you may need
2014 Vancouver Building By-law forms

For applications submitted BEFORE November 1, 2019
Letters of assurance
- Schedule A (150 KB)
- Schedule B (180 KB) - revision effective January 1, 2018
- Schedule C-A (120 KB) - revision effective January 1, 2018
- Schedule C-B (120 KB)
- Schedule D-1 (120 KB)
- Schedule D-2 (100 KB)
Letters of undertaking for building permits
ASHRAE, NECB, and EB Energy Trigger forms for large buildings
- Process forms, checklists, and tutorials for the energy requirements for Part 3 and Part 9 non-residential buildings
Other forms you may need

Erosion and sediment control and site profiles

Erosion and sediment control
Building permits

Erosion and sediment control for large lot developments (Bulletin 2002-003-EV) (200 KB)
- For sites 1,000 m² or more, or that have an excavation depth 1 storey or more
- Building permit applications need an erosion and sediment control plan and monitoring report
Erosion and sediment control for small lot developments (Bulletin 2002-002-EV) (600 KB)
- For sites less than 1,000 m² and that have an excavation depth less than 1 storey
- Projects need to follow best management practices for erosion and sediment control
Site profiles
To identify potential contaminated sites for development permits, demolition permits, rezoning applications, and subdivision applications

Construction related by-laws

Construction and renovation work is regulated by local by-laws and guidelines, and provincial regulations.

Bulletins

We issue bulletins and advisories to interpret building, electrical, and trades bylaws, and to explain building, technical, and administrative regulations and processes.

Some bulletins are under more than one section because they apply to multiple bylaws.

Administration (AD)

Number and date	Title
2015-002 Revised April 12, 2019	Clearances from existing BC Hydro high voltage overhead conductors and transformers (313 KB) Process under review
2013-001 Issued November 8, 2013	Energy webpage - energy requirements for large buildings (24 KB)
2012-003 Revised January 12, 2015	Building permit data sheet (86 KB)
2011-003 Issued May 10, 2011	WorkSafeBC compliance or refusal of inspection service (24 KB)
2011-004 Revised June 18, 2015	Alternative solutions intake and processing (83 KB)
2010-002 Revised July 29, 2010	Clarification for cancelling inspections for building, electrical, plumbing, gas, sprinklers, and sewer (53 KB)
2009-001 Issued January 2, 2009	Changes to the occupancy permit approval process (55 KB)
2007-006 Issued April 10, 2007	New climatic and seismic data in the 2007 Vancouver Building Bylaw (273 KB)
2007-005 Issued April 10, 2007	Kitchen ventilation systems (929 KB)
2005-006 Revised January 19, 2015	Permitting and inspection of electrically connected signs (clarification of section 13 and 14 of the Vancouver Sign Bylaw) (354 KB)
2005-003 Revised July 19, 2013	Annual adjustments to Development Cost Levy (DCL) rates (24 KB)
2003-014 Revised April 19, 2007	Permits for strata buildings (30 KB)
2000-067 Revised April 19, 2007	Certified professional program/Mandatory errors and omissions insurance (29 KB)
2000-063 Revised June 18, 2015	Alternative solution proposals and acceptance of existing conditions with mitigating features (135 KB)
2000-010 Revised April 19, 2007	Site inspection record bag (26 KB)

Building (BU)

Number and date	Title
2019-006 Issued October 22, 2019	Electric vehicle charging for buildings (742 KB)
2019-005 Issued July 26, 2019	Generic alternative solutions process for advanced use of the 2019 Vancouver Building By-law (107 KB)
2018-004 Revised October 23, 2018	Modification or upgrade of fire alarm system / automatic emergency recall of elevators (180 KB)
2018-001 Issued January 8, 2018	Environmental separation design in housing and small buildings (54 KB)
2017-004 Issued July 14, 2017	Use of unvented roof and deck assemblies (35 KB)
2017-003 Issued April 12, 2017	Construction fire safety plans (803 KB)
2017-002 Issued May 1, 2017	Energy efficiency requirements in the Vancouver Electrical Bylaw (158 KB)
2016-007 Revised March 24, 2017	Sprinkler permits (111 KB)
2016-005 Revised June 28, 2017	Geotechnical and shoring design - 1-2 family homes (85 KB)
2016-004 Issued March 30, 2016	Risk of encountering artesian conditions while drilling or constructing below ground (40 KB)
2016-003 Revised June 28, 2017	Post-installed concrete anchors (43 KB)
2016-002 Issued July 7, 2016	Balcony and patio doors in house and dwelling units (134 KB)
2015-009 Issued December 1, 2015	Glass guards (171 KB)
2015-007 Issued December 11, 2015	TIPs building list update (57 KB)
2015-006 Issued September 1, 2015	Installation of ISO exit signage (113 KB)
2015-005 Revised October 20, 2015	Addressing and suite numbering (98 KB)
2015-003 Issued May 5, 2015	Requirement to provide a supplementary drain shower for a single bathroom in a dwelling unit (234 KB)
2015-001 Issued February 24, 2015	Automatic receptacle control (33 KB)
2014-007 Issued December 3, 2014	Conservation of heritage buildings and compliance with Vancouver's Building Bylaw (75 KB)
2014-005 Issued October 7, 2014	Rezoning policy - acceptable modelling methodologies (28 KB)
2014-004 Revised July 17, 2015	Building energy design statements (86 KB)
2014-003 Issued April 8, 2014	Power-actuated fasteners and drop-in anchors for anchorage and seismic restraint (24 KB)
2014-002 Issued March 14, 2014	Use of 2012 BCBC and the 2014 Vancouver Building Bylaw for generic alternative solutions (34 KB)
2013-001 Issued November 8, 2013	Energy webpage - energy requirements for large buildings (24 KB)
2012-003 Revised January 12, 2015	Building permit data sheet (86 KB)
2012-001 Revised October 29, 2012	Demolition of buildings (54 KB)
2011-001 Issued January 18, 2011	Solar hot water heating systems (24 KB)
2010-002 Revised July 29, 2010	Clarification for cancelling inspections for building, electrical, plumbing, gas, sprinklers, and sewer (53 KB)
2009-009 Issued April 29, 2009	Rainscreen design and inspection for one- and two-family dwellings (48 KB)
2009-008 Issued April 29, 2009	Sheathing inspections (new rainscreen mock-up inspections) for one- and two-family dwellings (26 KB)
2009-003 Issued August 10, 2009	Structural design requirements for fabric-covered retractable awnings (23 KB)
2009-001 Issued January 2, 2009	Changes to the occupancy permit approval process (55 KB)
2008-001 Revised July 27, 2015	Clarification of the application of section 24 of the CE Code, Part 1 (55 KB)
2007-006 Issued April 19, 2007	New climatic and seismic data in the 2007 Vancouver Building Bylaw (273 KB)
2007-005 Issued April 19, 2007	Kitchen ventilation systems (929 KB)
2006-002 Issued April 19, 2007	Protection for steel connectors, fasteners, and achors used with pressure treated wood products (39 KB)
2005-002 Revised April 19, 2007	Building permit application requirements for temporary tents and stages (36 KB)
2005-001 Revised January 14, 2015	Owner's undertaking for tenant improvement and lessee's undertaking for tenant improvement letters (238 KB)
2003-013 Revised April 19, 2007	Swimming pool guards (29 KB)
2003-008 Revised April 19, 2007	Extent of building envelope review (34 KB)
2003-004 Revised June 22, 2015	Demonstration of co-ordinated fire and life safety systems (86 KB)
2002-008 Revised April 19, 2007	Accessible floor levels (37 KB)
2002-007 Revised June 18, 2015	Guidelines for alternative solution peer review (103 KB)
2002-006 Revised April 19, 2007	Enhanced accessibility for multi-family residential buildings (62 KB)
2001-018 Revised April 19, 2007	Combustible water distribution piping (34 KB)
2001-017 Revised April 19, 2007	Fire stopping systems (32 KB)
2001-010 Revised September 2, 2015	Electrical supervision and isolation of audible signal devices installed in dwelling units (187 KB)
2001-008 Revised July 13, 2015	Electrical plan review (384 KB)
2001-007 Revised April 19, 2007	Structural design drawings (24 KB)
2000-069 Revised June 2, 2015	Sprinkler-based alternative solutions performance and reliability issues (24 KB)
2000-062 Revised April 19, 2007	Headroom in dwelling units (38 KB)
2000-057 Revised April 19, 2007	Foundations in areas of peat bogs or soft soils (31 KB)
2000-021 Revised November 1, 2018	Verification of fire alarm systems (358 KB)
2000-019 Revised August 11, 2015	Signals to fire department via fire alarm signal transmitting unit from protected premises to fire signal receiving centre in conformance with CAN/ULC-S561 (669 KB)
2000-015 Revised October 5, 2015	Emergency generator rooms (168 KB)
2000-013 Revised July 6, 2016	Locks on egress and exit doors (with emphasis on electromechanical and electromagnetic hardware) (929 KB)
2000-012 Revised April 19, 2007	Sprinklers exemptions (27 KB)
2000-011 Revised January 12, 2015	Detached garage and parking slab elevations for one- and two-family dwellings (117 KB)
2000-009 Revised July 6, 2016	Elevator lobby access to exits (78 KB)
2000-006 Revised April 19, 2007	Roof drainage system for detached accessory building (70 KB)
2000-001 Issued April 19, 2007	Lot drainage requirements for new homes (94 KB)

Electrical (EL)

Number and date	Title
2019-006 Issued October 22, 2019	Electric vehicle charging for buildings (742 KB)
2019-003 Issued August 1, 2019	Electrical annual permit (operating permit) (422 KB)
2018-004 Revised October 23, 2018	Modification or upgrade of fire alarm system / automatic emergency recall of elevators (180 KB)
2017-012 Issued May 1, 2017	Energy efficiency requirements in the Vancouver Electrical Bylaw (158 KB)
2015-002 Revised April 12, 2019	Clearances from existing BC Hydro high voltage overhead conductors and transformers (313 KB)
2010-002 Revised July 29, 2010	Clarification for cancelling inspections for building, electrical, plumbing, gas, sprinklers, and sewer (53 KB)
2009-007 Revised September 9, 2015	Requirement of rules 26-710(f), 26-712(b), and 26-712(d) of the Canadian Electric Code, Part I (180 KB)
2009-004 Revised January 3, 2018	"Special permission" of the Electrical Bylaw 5563 - application of rule 2-030 of the Canadian Electric Code, Part I "Deviation or postponement" (195 KB)
2008-001 Revised July 27, 2015	Clarification of the application of section 24 of the CE Code, Part 1 (55 KB)
2007-005 Issued April 10, 2007	Kitchen ventilation systems (929 KB)
2005-006 Revised February 28, 2019	Permitting and inspection of electrically connected signs (205 KB)
2005-005 Revised May 30, 2016	Installation of additional 240 V appliance branch circuits in dwelling units (53 KB)
2005-004 Revised August 28, 2017	Testing and commissioning of high voltage stations and unit substations (289 KB)
2004-010 Revised March 11, 2016	Locking devices for electrical disconnecting means (109 KB)
2004-009 Revised September 4, 2015	Location of panelboards in buildings (160 KB)
2003-002 Revised September 4, 2015	Installation of service entrance optical fibre cable in a building (93 KB)
2002-009 Revised September 14, 2016	Arc-fault protection - rule 26-724(f) and (g) of the Canadian Electrical Code, Part 1 (38 KB)
2001-010 Revised September 2, 2015	Electrical supervision and isolation of audible signal devices installed in dwelling units (187 KB)
2001-008 Revised June 7, 2019	Electrical plan review (443 KB)
2001-005 Revised September 4, 2015	Electrical permits for installation related to tents and similar structures (89 KB)
2000-048 Revised September 4, 2015	Information required for an electrical permit when a portable unit substation is used (90 KB)
2000-046 Revised March 11, 2016	Grounding of cellular communication equipment installed in building roofs (89 KB)
2000-045 Revised March 11, 2016	Installation of electrical equipment in electrical vaults and rooms (86 KB)
2000-044 Revised September 9, 2015	Ground fault protection of heat-tracing cables for pipe and soil heating, ice or snow melting on roofs or concrete or asphalt surfaces, and similar applications other than space heating (90 KB)
2000-042 Revised September 23, 2015	Panelboards and circuits in dwellings with secondary suites or lock-off units (227 KB)
2000-041 Revised May 24, 2016	Electrically connected exit signs (884 KB)
2000-040 Revised March 11, 2016	Installation of lighting protection for buildings (94 KB)
2000-035 Revised April 27, 2016	Power supply requirements for electrical components of sprinkler systems installed in attached family dwellings (such as triplex, fourplex, and row housing) (178 KB)
2000-031 Revised June 18, 2015	Pumps for sprinkler systems in buildings sprinklered to NFPA 13D (178 KB)
2000-028 Revised September 4, 2015	Location of consumer's service conductors and consumer's service equipment (Canadian Electric Code rules 6-208 and 6-206) (96 KB)
2000-027 Revised September 23, 2015	Requirements for bar counter receptacles in one- and two-family dwellings and temporary power for electrical installations (100 KB)
2000-026 Revised April 22, 2016	Applications for electrical permits to do electrical work in hazardous locations (186 KB)
2000-025 Revised September 4, 2015	Residential sump pumps (85 KB)
2000-021 Revised November 1, 2018	Verification of fire alarm systems (358 KB)
2000-019 Revised August 11, 2015	Signals to fire department via fire alarm signal transmitting unit from protected premises to fire signal receiving centre in conformance with CAN/ULC-S561 (669 KB)
2000-018 Revised September 4, 2015	Electrical permit requirements for the entertainment and film industry (102 KB)
2000-016 Revised January 17, 2018	Protection of standpipes and sprinkler piping against freezing (48 KB)
2000-015 Revised October 5, 2015	Emergency generator rooms (168 KB)
2000-013 Revised July 6, 2016	Locks on egress and exit doors (with emphasis on electromechanical and electromagnetic hardware) (929 KB)
2000-008 Revised September 4, 2015	Storm sump "pump" regulations (105 KB)

Environmental (EV)

Number and date	Title
2017-001 Issued March 1, 2017	Groundwater discharges from contaminated sites (69 KB)
2015-008 Revised March 31, 2016	Demolition and abatement reporting requirements (2 MB)
2014-001 Revised August 28, 2015	Grease interceptors at food sector establishments (126 KB)
2008-007 Revised June 23, 2015	Parkade drainage treatment system (229 KB)
2007-005 Issued April 10, 2007	Kitchen ventilation systems (929 KB)
2004-003 Revised April 19, 2007	Solid interceptors (31 KB)
2002-004 Revised September 4, 2015	Filming and special events (88 KB)
2002-003 Revised March 1, 2017	Erosion and sediment control, large lot developments (more than 1,000m²) (241 KB)
2002-002 Revised March 1, 2017	Erosion and sediment control, small lot developments (less than 1,000m²) (664 KB)
2002-001 Revised August 17, 2015	Construction waste sites (230 KB)
2000-066 Revised August 19, 2015	Contaminated sites groundwater disharge fees (94 KB)
2000-056 Revised January 28, 2015	Concrete deliveries and finishing (175 KB)
2000-055 Revised August 17, 2015	Automotive dismantlers and parts recyclers (142 KB)
2000-054 Revised June 8, 2015	Restaurants (104 KB)
2000-053 Revised August 17, 2015	Automotive sales and servicing operations (105 KB)
2000-052 Revised August 17, 2015	Carpet cleaners and janitorial services (114 KB)
2000-051 Revised August 17, 2015	Painting contractors (103 KB)
2000-050 Revised July 22, 2015	Fuel dispensing (101 KB)
2000-049 Revised June 15, 2015	Swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas (113 KB)

Fire (FI)

Number and date	Title
2017-003 Issued April 12, 2017	Construction fire safety plans (803 KB)

Gas (GA)

Number and date	Title
2010-002 Revised July 29, 2010	Clarification for cancelling inspections for building, electrical, plumbing, gas, sprinklers, and sewer (53 KB)
2001-009 Issued April 19, 2007	Gas permits (53 KB)

Plumbing (PL)

Number and date	Title
2018-003 Issued March 21, 2018	Use of once through cooling and single pass systems (83 KB)
2018-002 Issued February 1, 2018	Discharge from cooling tower drains (37 KB)
2016-008 Issued April 8, 2016	Stainless steel piping (61 KB)
2016-001 Issued February 11, 2016	Water treatment devices - protection from contamination (194 KB)
2014-001 Revised August 28, 2015	Grease interceptors at food sector establishments (126 KB)
2011-001 Issued January 18, 2011	Solar hot water heating systems (24 KB)
2010-002 Revised July 29, 2010	Clarification for cancelling inspections for building, electrical, plumbing, gas, sprinklers, and sewer (53 KB)
2008-007 Revised June 23, 2015	Parkade drainage treatment system (229 KB)
2007-005 Issued April 10, 2007	Kitchen ventilation systems (929 KB)
2001-018 Revised April 19, 2007	Combustible water distribution piping (34 KB)
2001-013 Issued April 19, 2007	Epoxy coating procedures for domestic water system upgrading (28 KB)
2000-058 Revised April 7, 2009	Separation of roof drainage and foundation drains (232 KB)
2000-016 Revised January 17, 2018	Protection of standpipes and sprinkler piping against freezing (48 KB)
2000-008 Revised September 4, 2015	Storm sump "pump" regulations (105 KB)
2000-006 Issued April 19, 2007	Roof drainage system for detached accessory building (70 KB)
2000-001 Issued April 19, 2007	Lot drainage requirements for new homes (94 KB)

Sprinkler (SP)

Number and date	Title
2016-007 Revised March 24, 2017	Sprinkler permits (111 KB)
2014-006 Issued October 14, 2014	Procedure change in sprinkler permit applications for under 20 sprinklers (226 KB)
2010-002 Revised July 29, 2010	Clarification for cancelling inspections for building, electrical, plumbing, gas, sprinklers, and sewer (53 KB)
2000-069 Revised June 2, 2015	Sprinkler-based alternative solutions performance and reliability issues (24 KB)
2000-035 Revised April 27, 2016	Power supply requirements for electrical components of sprinkler systems installed in attached family dwellings (such as triplex, fourplex, and row housing) (178 KB)
2000-031 Revised June 18, 2015	Pumps for sprinkler systems in buildings sprinklered to NFPA 13D (178 KB)
2000-016 Revised January 18, 2018	Protection of standpipes and sprinkler piping against freezing (48 KB)
2000-012 Revised April 19, 2007	Sprinklers exemptions (27 KB)
2000-007 Revised April 19, 2007	Frost protection for sprinkler piping in wood frame construction (28 KB)
2000-004 Revised April 19, 2007	Sprinklers in crawl spaces (27 KB)

Withdrawn bulletins

Listed alphabetically by bulletin title.

Number	Title
2008-008-EL	Application of rule 76-016 in conjunction with implementation of “Assured Grounding Program” on a construction site
2011-005-BU/AD	ASHRAE 90.1 - 2007 (Building permit documentation requirements)
2001-003-BU/EL	Audible system devices in dwelling units
2008-002-BU/EL	Automatic emergency recall of elevators
2003-003-EL	Bonding of a metal water piping system installed in a building (re: rule 10-406(2) of the CEC, part 1)
2008-003-BU	Building Bylaw amendments for green homes
2001-016-AD/BU	Building Bylaw enquiries and requests for interpretation
2003-010-BU	Building Bylaw guidelines for fire fighting provisions
2001-006-BU	Certified professional program - new permit process
2003-007-BU	Certified professional program - new permit process
2001-015-BU	Change of use requirements for language and business schools
2007-008-EL	Clarification of rule 14-406 of the 20th edition of the CEC adopted for use in BC
2007-002-EL	Clarification of rule 2-306 in the 20th edition of the CE Code adopted for use in BC
2007-001-EL	Clarification of rule 30-308(4) of the 20th edition of the CEC adopted for use in BC
2007-007-BU/EL	Clarification of the VBBL requirements for carbon monoxide alarms
2003-016-EL	Clearances from the existing BC Hydro high voltage overhead conductors and transformers
2001-004-BU/EL	Criteria for electro-magnetic lock equivalencies
2007-010-EL	Disconnecting means and overcurrent protection for a fire pump
2016-006-BU/EL	Electric vehicle charging for buildings - load management
2011-002-BU/EL	Electric vehicle charging infrastructure for multi-family dwellings
2004-001-EL/BU	Electrical supervision of fire alarm system devices and signal to a central station and fire department
2015-004-BU/EL	Electrical vehicle charging for buildings
2006-003-BU/SP	Exposure protection for exits and exit routes
2008-009-AD/BU	Flood proofing policies
2009-006-AD/BU	Generic alternative solutions for the 2010 Winter Games
2004-011-BU	Green building products
2003-001-AD/BU	Guidelines for seismic evaluation of one- and two-family dwellings
2007-009-AD	Inspection services carried out by others during labour dispute
2009-011-AD	Installation of temporary tents over existing permitted patio seating and temporary tents on City property during the Olympic Games period
2004-013-BU	Insulated concrete form (ICF) applications
2010-001-AD	Licensing and inspection services during 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
2008-004-BU	New energy utilization requirements for part 3 buildings
2003-012-AD	New rates for the Vancouver Development Cost Levy
2004-007-BU/EL/PL	New “suite ready” one-family dwellings
2004-005-BU	New upgrade triggers for existing buildings
2006-001-BU	Next edition of the Vancouver Building Bylaw and use of 2005 National Building Code for generic equivalencies
2001-012-BU	Parking spaces for persons with disablities
2004-002-EL	Permits for temporary power service connection
2009-010-AD	Permitting for temporary structures related to the Olympic Games
2007-004-BU	Rain screen design for one- and two-family dwellings
2003-009-BU/EL	Requirements for verification of fire alarm systems
2007-003-EL	Requirements of the supply authority (BC Hydro) in regulated work
2001-001-EV	Residential underground storage tank removal
2001-002-AD	Revised request for minor relaxations and equivalency forms
2002-010-BU	Revision to the Vancouver Building Bylaw
2003-005-BU	Safety glass In part 9 buildings
2004-006-BU/EL	Secondary suites in existing one-family dwellings
2001-011-BU	Seismic design of one and two-family dwellings
2004-014-BU	Seismic restraint of non-structural components
2004-012-BU	Sheathing inspections for one- and two-family buildings
2004-004-BU	Spray-in-place thermal insulation
2001-014-SP	Sprinkler advisory - Voluntary sprinkler replacement of “o”-ring style sprinklers
2012-002-BU/AD	Sprinkler permit data sheet
2014-008-BU	The use of spray foam insulation in lieu of venting roof spaces
2004-008-BU	Update of the Energy Utilization Bylaw
2003-006-BU	Upgrading of one- and two-family dwellings
2014-009-BU	Vancouver's 2014 Building Bylaw (online version is now available)
2003-015-BU	VBBL changes to balcony sprinklers
2006-004-BU/EL	Voluntary upgrade of existing fire alarm systems in buildings
2003-011-BU	Washrooms in mercantile, limited food retail and restaurants
2002-005-BU/SP	Zoning standpipe systems

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Other forms and resources

Vancouver Building By-law forms

2019 Vancouver Building By-law forms

2014 Vancouver Building By-law forms

Erosion and sediment control and site profiles

Erosion and sediment control

Site profiles